Mattie Fordham Banks was born December 7, 1938, to the late Joshua and Willie Lee Fordham in Dublin, Georgia.  The middle child of three.  Preceded in death by both parents and step-mother Robbie Ashley Fordham, sister Bernice Delores Fordham Kemp and brother Nathaniel Fordham Sr.

She joined Beulah Hill Baptist Church at an early age, under the leadership of the Reverend L. C. Conway.  She served as an usher and in the choir.  After moving to Miami, she joined Greater New Bethel Church under the leadership of the Rev. W. K. Smith and the late Rev. G. David Horton and Rev. Ronnie Wallace.  She served as financial secretary of the following ministries; Pastor Aide, Mission Circle-8, Sunday School Part 3 Class 9 and on the church finance committee.  She also served on User Board #1 until she resigned due to health concerns. Mattie received a certificate of recognition for serving Greater New Bethel Church for 59 years in 2019.

Mattie, received her early education in the Laurens County, Georgia public school system.  After graduating from Millville High School. She attended Fort Valley State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education and Library Science.  She was also certified in Early Childhood Education and Media.  She also attended Atlanta University School of Library Science, Nova University for classes in Administrative Supervision and Barry University for re-certifications.

After graduating college, she worked one year in Georgia and returned to Miami.  She worked one year each at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School and Lillie C. Evans Elementary School.  She was subsequently assigned to Flagami Elementary where she retired with 33 years of service.

She served as president of the Greater Miami Alumni Chapter of Fort Valley State University and Treasurer of the chapter from 1997 to until her passing.  She also served as Treasurer of the Atlantic Coast #150 of Order of the Eastern Star where she also received three degrees.

Mattie was formerly married to Ulysses Banks., to that union, one child was born, the love of her life, Tracy Llewellyn Banks.

She leaves to cherish her memory; Tracy L. Banks, daughter Eva McClover(Kenneth), sister Wilma Jean Williams, special step daughter Regina Ward, grand daughters Jamillah Banks(Charlie), great granddaughters Teah Allen and Riana McCook, brother-in-law Charles W. Kemp, host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved very much.